Many ministry leaders and servants of Christ that we help have been abused in the past. Some were hit, yelled at, or called bad names. Others were sexually violated. Many suffered with harsh judgments from a parent.
Tragically, survivors of abuse tend to perpetuate the pain of how they were mistreated with self-condemnation or destructive behavior. They often suffer in isolation. Due to guilt and shame they hide their memories and pain from others — even their loved ones.
If you’ve been badly mistreated, you need to know that Jesus understands. He was used and abused in a variety of ways during his lifetime. On the cross he was abused verbally, physically, and sexually — and he overcome it all to minister to others who have been abused and to offer forgiveness to everyone, even abusers.
The 10th Station in the Stations of the Cross focuses on healing from abuse.
Jesus is Stripped by the Soldiers
Read Scripture
“He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).
“The soldiers spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him” (Matthew 26:67).
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One’” (Luke 23:34-36).
“The centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus… said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” (Mark 15:39).
Pray Scripture
Lord Jesus Christ, you were abused — verbally, physically, and sexually — to set us free. You were beaten and bruised to heal us. You were stripped naked to clothe us in the forgiveness and favor of the Father. You were publicly humiliated to honor us with your Holy Spirit. You let go of all that this world has to offer to enable us to embrace true life with you.
O Jesus, in all the shameful treatment you received your glory as the Son of God shines through! Help me to trust that because of your cross there is healing mercy for how I have been abused — and also if I have held onto resentment or have abused others. Help me to receive your forgiveness and to follow your example of forgiving others, even those who mistreat me, so your glory will shine through me.
Reflect
Have you been abused or mistreated? Have you abused or mistreated anyone else? Have you received and shared the forgiveness of Christ for these things?
Take up your Cross to Follow Jesus
Let go of anger toward those who have abused you or towards yourself for not stopping it or perpetuating it on others. Then through Christ you can clothe yourself in the glorious forgiveness and favor of the Father and share this with others.
Breathe a Prayer
“I am clothed in Christ… I have no shame.”
More Soul Shepherding
Let me guide you on the path to bring your pain, emptiness, and needs to Jesus Christ at his cross. Unforsaken: With Jesus on the Stations of the Cross is my 68-page booklet that’s filled with engaging stories, Scripture meditations on suffering of Christ, and prayers to enliven your heart to God’s unfailing love for you.
“You Can Live In Jesus’ Easy Yoke” is my new book. Real life stories, Bible teaching, and creative approaches to prayer will help to follow Jesus’ rhythms of grace and overcome low self-esteem and other common sources of distress.
Did you know that “Angry Prayers Can Bring Peace“?
________________________________
With Bill and Kristi’s book, Healing Prayer: For Emotional & Physical Wholeness, you can be ready with the faith and resources to receive Jesus’ healing touch wherever and whenever it’s needed for you or those you care for. This book is a practical guide to healing prayer as it’s taught in the Bible and modeled by Jesus and his disciples. It’s great for personal devotions, small groups, or training prayer ministers.
